Mater Private Network announces major investment in cancer services in the Mid-West

Mater Private Network has announced a €4.5 million investment in its cancer care services across the Mid-West region for 2025.

The investment was outlined at an event to celebrate an important treatment milestone of the Halcyon Linac radiotherapy treatment system at Mid-West Radiation Oncology Centre (MWROC) in Limerick, and will bring innovative oncology treatments to patients across Munster.  

The announcement brings the total investment in the MWROC to above €10m over the past five years.

Mater Private Network’s investments continue to bolster its world-class cancer treatment facilities and its plans for 2025 build on the pre-existing commitment to operate a Centre of Excellence at the Limerick premises.

Speaking at the Centre’s milestone presentation, CEO of Mater Private Network, John Hurley stated: “This milestone is a testament to Mater Private Network’s unwavering commitment to investing in cutting-edge technology, patient care, and the communities we serve.

"Over the past 20 years, the Mid-West Radiation Oncology Centre has played a pivotal role in the cancer journeys of thousands of patients, enabling world-class care without the need to travel. As we look to the future, continued investment in these services will ensure patients across the mid-west and beyond have access to the most advanced treatments available.” 

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Since its establishment in 2005, MWROC has treated over 15,500 patients from across Limerick, Cork, Tipperary, Clare, Galway, and Kerry, and is the region’s only specialist radiotherapy facility.

Offering treatment through Ireland’s first Halcyon Linear Accelerator, over 1,500 patients with a range of cancer types have been treated since it was installed in July 2023, with a 50% reduction in treatment times and enhanced patient comfort.   

Today, the Centre treats as many as 95 patients per day, supported by a dedicated team of approximately 50 staff.

Services are delivered through close collaboration with the HSE and Mid Western Development Trust, ensuring integrated care is available for patients across the region. 

“Our mission is to deliver the highest standards of cancer care and treatment to every patient who walks through our doors and this investment supports that goal. Looking to the future, the introduction of stereotactic radiation oncology in our Limerick centre will enable us to treat more complex tumour types and bring the most advanced radiotherapy capabilities to the region," said Hugh Healy, Director of Cancer at Mater Private Network.

"It’s a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, whose expertise and compassion have made this Centre a beacon of hope for so many,” he added. 

^{Declan Madden, chairman of UHL Trust; Dr Lorraine Walsh, Mater Private; Dr Mazen El Bassiouni, Mater Private; Lisa Cummins, Mater Private and Hugh Healy, Mater Private}

With the planned future investment, Mater Private Network will also become the first private healthcare facility in Ireland to provide access to stereotactic radiation therapy in two locations across its network, east and west, ensuring greater access for patients nationwide.

Having established a clear reputation for excellence in patient care, Mater Private Network is proud to renew its commitment to communities in Munster as they pave the way for future innovation and development in the region.